At Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, South Carolina football’s homecoming game against Florida ended in an embarrassing 41-39 defeat.
With the Gators (5-2, 3-1), the Gamecocks (2-4, 1-3 SEC) have now dropped two straight games. With five minutes remaining, Florida reduced the deficit to three points thanks to a touchdown throw from quarterback Graham Mertz. With only 50 seconds left, Mertz connected with Ricky Pearsall to seal the victory. With 20 seconds remaining, Spencer Rattler intercepted a hail Mary pass, ending the game.
The victory marked the Gamecocks’ first home loss of the season and the Gators’ second SEC road triumph under coach Billy Napier.
The one bright light for South Carolina was running back Mario Anderson, who amassed 98 yards on the ground and 34 yards on receptions, including a 20-yard touchdown catch and run.
The offensive line’s performance versus Tennessee was definitely improved as a result of the Gamecocks’ use of the bye week to reassess its personnel. Vershon Lee was shifted from center to right tackle by South Carolina, while Nick Gargiulo took the snap despite previously spending the most of his time at left guard.
While freshman Tree Babalade and Trovon Baugh both started for the second game in a row at left tackle and right guard, respectively, junior Trai Jones also made his first start of the year at left guard.
The unit had one of its best performances, opening up lanes for the run game, but it was less effective after halftime when Lee went down with a lower-body injury. Rattler and Anderson each averaged more than five yards per carry, while the Gamecocks’ running backs all gained positive yardage on the ground.